By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a conference hall in Lubao, Pampanga, agriculture leaders from across the Philippines gathered to map out the future of government programs that support farmers and fisherfolk. The discussions focused on one important goal: ensuring that every peso allocated to agriculture is used effectively to strengthen food production and rural livelihoods.
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Director Remelyn R. Recoter presented the agency’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Plan and Budget during the Department of Agriculture’s Technical-Level Review Workshop held at Hacienda Gracia Resort and Hotel in Lubao, Pampanga.
The presentation formed part of a broader planning process led by the Department of Agriculture to align agency programs with national development priorities. The workshop gathered key officials from the DA, including representatives of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Regional Executive Directors from DA Regional Field Offices I to V, and leaders of various banner programs, bureaus, and attached agencies.
The review workshop was organized by the DA Planning and Monitoring Service together with the Financial Management Service. The activity aimed to strengthen fiscal discipline within the department while promoting results-based planning and budgeting.
According to officials, the process ensures that government resources are allocated to programs that deliver measurable results for farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities. By evaluating proposed budgets and program plans early, agencies can better align their initiatives with national food security goals.
During the workshop, Director Recoter outlined ATI’s priorities for 2027, highlighting programs focused on farmer education, digital learning, and improved agricultural extension services. The Agricultural Training Institute serves as the main training arm of the Department of Agriculture, responsible for building the knowledge and skills of farmers, agricultural extension workers, and rural entrepreneurs.
Through its training centers across the country, ATI conducts seminars, technical courses, and field demonstrations to help farmers adopt modern farming practices, improve productivity, and adapt to climate challenges.
Officials emphasized that strong agricultural training programs play a key role in boosting farm productivity. Many Filipino farmers rely on updated knowledge about crop management, pest control, and sustainable farming techniques to maintain stable harvests despite changing weather conditions and rising production costs.
The proposed 2027 plan also reflects the government’s broader vision under the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas initiative, which seeks to strengthen food production while improving the welfare of farming and fishing communities.
The presence of representatives from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Councils ensured that the perspectives of farmers and fisherfolk were included in the planning discussions. These councils serve as advisory bodies that help connect grassroots concerns with national policy development.
Agriculture experts note that participatory planning processes like this workshop are essential for building responsive and effective government programs. When agencies coordinate their plans and budgets, resources can be directed to the areas where they are needed most.
For ATI, strengthening knowledge-sharing and farmer education remains central to its mission. Training programs not only improve agricultural skills but also empower rural communities to adopt innovations that increase productivity and income.
As the Department of Agriculture continues to review agency proposals for the 2027 national budget, officials say collaboration among agencies and stakeholders will remain critical to achieving long-term agricultural growth.
Careful planning today, they say, will help ensure that Filipino farmers and fisherfolk receive the support they need to sustain food production and strengthen the country’s agricultural future.
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